The Department of Agriculture (DA) has increased the monthly rice allocation for vulnerable sectors under the government’s “P29” rice program, allowing beneficiaries to purchase up to 30 kilos per month—three times the previous limit.
In a statement on Sunday, the DA said the new policy covers senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and indigent individuals. These groups, numbering in the millions, can access the low-cost rice through Kadiwa ng Pangulo stores and centers. The rice is sourced from the National Food Authority’s (NFA) buffer stocks.
During a job and health fair in Dasmariñas, Cavite on Friday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced the immediate nationwide implementation of the updated policy.
“We urge you to take advantage of this new policy, which responds to the calls from our financially challenged fellow citizens for greater access to more affordable food, especially rice,” Tiu Laurel said.
Rice remains a significant household expense in the Philippines. According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, it accounts for around 9 pesos of every 100 pesos spent by the average consumer—and up to 18 pesos per 100 for the poorest households.
The DA launched the P29 program in July 2023 to offer affordable rice to vulnerable sectors. It was later complemented by the Rice-for-All (RFA) program, which allows the general public to buy rice at reduced prices with no purchase limit.
Under the RFA, current prices are:
- P43 per kilo for rice with 5 percent broken grains
- P35 per kilo for 25 percent broken grains
- P33 per kilo for 100 percent broken grains
The programs are part of the government’s broader push to ensure food affordability and support low-income families.